how do you know when to trade

[sele]

Our f'ver is a 2004 and looks like brand new inside, the ouside shows some use but nothing even remotely bad just the usual wear and tear associated with it's age. We really still like it but I wonder about the fiscal issue. If we go to long it will depreciate until it has no value. At the same time it is paid for and when not in use doesn't cost us a dime. Any thoughts or how often do you trade? Maybe how old is your f'ver something to help us as a base thanks all
Scott

[Sandia_Man]

Our current rig is 7 years old and it will be another couple of years before we get another. I don't worry about it's value since the RVing lifestyle is a losing proposition to say the least, we have used it extensively and will more than likely keep it in the family for our kids to use when we decide it's time for another.

We have been to many RV shows and current models don't differ much at all, we don't see a reason at this time to waste money on a new rig until we feel a need for change. No RV is perfect and all floorplans will have some pros and cons depending on your point of view.

It's a personal choice why we all decide it is time to look for a new rig, if it's something that is crossing your mind often it looks like a new rig is in your near future. Selling the 5er yourself may yield the highest return but some don't want to deal with the hassle and just trade in on a newer unit.

Biggest issue many encounter is believing their rig is worth more than what the market will bear, unless some sucker comes along they soon experience a reality check finding someone to bite. Dealers employ many tried and true tactics to make buyers believe they got a great deal, unfortunately that is rarely the case as they always get their profit margin, and in many cases much more.

No bones about it, the RVing lifestyle can be a costly venture, if you are happy with what your camper provides it may be wise to not forego your well kept rig at this current point. At 10 years you are definitely not alone considering something bright, shiny, and new, only you can decide if it is the right time.

Either way you go is bound to cost money in upkeep or a new payment, one thing for sure, when it comes to RVing, we all have to pay to play.

[larry_barnhart]

We have a 2001 35 ft alpenlite that we like as much as when it was new. My thinking is if we keep it the cost to travel will be free. Sales tax and the cost of a new fifthwheel is why I feel this way.

chevman

[NEnative]

If you know it has no structural issues, it does not leak, everything is wired as it should be and the plumbing is correctly assembled I would hold on to that puppy as long as you can. Too many new coaches being delivered with major issues that should not be...ask me how I know? To pay the sum of money for new coach and then work through a long punch list is nerve wracking and frustrating. Hold on to your gem!

[DutchmenSport]

I think that question can be answered differently by every single person on these forums. But here's one thing I do know ...

The fact you even asked the question tells me YOU are ready to trade. Quit struggling over it, trying to justify why you should not, and just do it! You'll have peace of mind and the thrill of looking for a new camper!

[2oldman]

sele wrote:
it is paid for and when not in use doesn't cost us a dime.

Any older coach is going to start costing you more than a dime or two in maintenance ...depending on use. Washing, waxing, tires, batteries, suspension - lots of stuff.

What keeps me attached to my 12yo rig is all the electrical work I've done to it. If I were to trade it in I wouldn't be concerned about the value, I'd be concerned about all the work removing solar panels, inverters, batteries..I'm not giving that away. Also, at its age, I've been replacing slide seals, and that's something very few people do.

[rugermark2]

If you are happy with your current RV I would keep. Like others have said as soon as you buy you lose money. I have tried to convince my DW of that for years. She likes to sell them every 2 years or so and we always take it in the shorts.

[jmtandem]

Our f'ver is a 2004 and looks like brand new inside, the ouside shows some use but nothing even remotely bad just the usual wear and tear associated with it's age. We really still like it but I wonder about the fiscal issue. If we go to long it will depreciate until it has no value. At the same time it is paid for and when not in use doesn't cost us a dime. Any thoughts or how often do you trade? Maybe how old is your f'ver something to help us as a base thanks all
Scott

The depreciation on a new RV is severe. Yours is ten years old and has had most of the depreciation occur. For most fifth wheels and travel trailers the value at the five year mark is about fifty percent of new, or about ten percent a year. It is far less expensive to keep what you have assuming it is still in great shape than trade for new. But........it you want a new one, then that is reason enough to get one. There are websites where you can get an idea of what it is worth. NADA is one of those. If you trade for a new one at a dealership don't expect to get much. You will either get a lot for your trade and pay more than necessary for the new coach or you will get less for your trade and pay less for the new coach. The deaer will get something. Selling it yourself to a private party usually gets the most. Then go get the best deal through the dealer on a new one.

[gbopp]

When you no longer like the RV, floor plan, colors, etc., then it's time to sell/trade.
IF you like your unit, I would keep it.

It's like cars. Some people feel it is necessary to buy a new car every few years. I don't. As long as I like what I have, I keep it.

I wouldn't worry about depreciation. As soon as you buy a new unit, you lose money. JMO

[Sturgeon-Phish]

I think going into owning a camper knowing you are going to loose money is important. Figuring how much you are going to loose is I think where your question is.
If your curent unit meets your needs and has no issue that you can't live with, keep it. As you said at this point when setting it does not cost you a dime. Will the payment/interest of a new unit be less than the depreciation of your unit, probably not.
Jim